Industry veteran Elly Johnson has joined United Northern Mortgage Bankers, Ltd., where she will serve in the newly created position of vice president and chief operating officer of reverse lending.
Johnson, who has spent more than 35 years in the mortgage industry, joins United Northern after serving as president of AllReverse Pro Consulting and the executive vice president of national operations at Reverse Mortgage Solutions. She plans to help expand the Levittown, N.Y.-based United Northern’s presence in the reverse mortgage space; according to data from Reverse Market Insight, Inc., the firm finished 2016 in 17th place among Home Equity Conversion Mortgage lenders, compiling a total of 449 — 52 retail, and 397 wholesale.
“We’re looking to grow both of those channels this year,” Johnson told RMD. “My role is to come in and make sure that we have everything compliant, and that we have our guidelines and everything in place and are ready for the growth this year.”
Johnson, who will spilt her time between her home in Georgia and United Northern’s corporate office on Long Island, said she plans to focus on solidifying the company’s operations and training programs over the coming year.
“Elly’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge make her an outstanding addition to our team as we continue to grow,” United Northern president Don Giorgio said in a statement announcing Johnson’s hire. “We view Elly’s appointment as a part of our deeper commitment to being a leader in reverse mortgage financing.”
Written by Alex Spanko
